Charges possible in townhouse explosion

Criminal charges may be filed against the man who had a makeshift drug lab that exploded in a Harrison Township townhouse, according to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.

A 19-year-old man leasing the townhouse at Beachwood Apartments and Townhomes and some friends on Sunday afternoon were using a chemical process to extract THC from marijuana plants in his kitchen when a propane torch ignited flammable gases and caused an explosion, Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a news release.

“It certainly was an accident but there is the possibility they could face charges of manufacturing (drugs),” said sheriff’s Lt. John Michalke.

Investigators said there were five men in the townhouse at the time of the blast, but four fled before deputies arrived. Three of the five occupants ended up receiving treatment for non-life threatening burns at Detroit Receiving Hospital.

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Those included the 19-year-old along with a 21-year-old Harrison Township man who also resides in the townhouse, and a 22-year-old Clinton Township man.

The blast knocked the two-story townhouse from its foundation and pushed the walls outward.

Police were forced to evacuate 15 of the 16 units — one was vacant — in the building because of concerns over its structural integrity. The American Red Cross provided food, clothing and temporary shelter for seven families, said spokeswoman Allison Koeningbauer. Other residents found other places to stay until they are allowed to return to their units.

Harrison Township firefighters were called to the complex on Northpointe, near Metropolitan Parkway, east of Interstate 94 at 3:24 p.m. after receiving reports of the explosion.

The 19-year-old, who suffered extensive burns to his chest, back and arms, initially told deputies that he was alone in his home when the stove exploded. But as deputies interviewed witnesses, they learned there had been other people inside when the blast occurred.

First responders found signs of drugs and paraphernalia once they were able to get inside of the unit.

Fire officials summoned the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to check for evidence of lingering chemicals. Once DEA agents determined there was no danger in air quality, they turned the scene back over to local authorities, said DEA spokesman Rich Isaacson.

Once the investigation is complete, the sheriff’s office will submit their reports to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.